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eaglewolf
February 9th, 2001, 11:18 PM
Tranafered



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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

My wife told me that it was time for the next card..so here it is...

The Magician:



Remember that Week Ones thread is still open for suggestion..in fact I put some Fool cards from other decks up in that thread so everyone could discuss the differences.

Love and Light!

Let class begin, you know the drill...what do you see?





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-- Posted by Rosabelle on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

A Magician of Magick is poised above an altar of faith.
A wand in his hand, he is calling on a spirit.
tha altar set up in front of him has a petacle, an athame (how do you pronounce that by the way? i say AY-THUM. how about you?), a chalice and something which might be a stalf.
To show he is important there is a ring abouve his head. this could also simbilise his aura i suppose asnd it is twisted because he is confused??? how am i doing?
Rosabelle
ps- i love these Tarot classes. keep them coming!





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-- Posted by Jazzmine on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

I see the sign of infinity over the magician's head and he is standing in front of his alter doing a ritual. Maybe this card is a symbol of change to come, because you usually do magick to create change in your life. In the Witches Tarot the card in almost the same. The infinity sign is there and the magician and the alter. There aren't any flowers and he is not holding his wand. He has one hand in the air and one lowered. I am not very good with the Tarot so let me know if my interpretations are close.





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-- Posted by Wildwood on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

I thought the symbol above his head was the magician's
symbol for infinity, perhaps indicating the limitless subconcious mind. I thought the chalice, pentacle, sword and stave represented the 4 suits of a normal tarot deck and that this referred to the magician having these tools of the magical trade at his disposal. This idea of using tool, I
took to indicate a practical approach to magic and spirituality, that although he is connected to a higher plane, his magic has a very real practical element and purpose.

What does everyone else think ?

Wildwood





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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

Very good replies. That is the symbol of infinity and it will show up again on another card. We will be able to link the cards all together usually. I see that most of you noticed the weapons on the table as the tools for magicians and also the suits of the minor arcana. Any further thoughts on these? Also which of his hands do you think is the key to the overall meaning of the card.

Also, what do you think is his frame of mind. Is he passive or is he consciously seeking something?
Keep the comments coming. I have to head back to work soon but I will be back in swing tomorrow. Can't wait to read your replies. I am truly learning through this endeaver.
Semele





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-- Posted by Litha on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

This is the card of uniting will and thought with the divine. The number 1 is the number of the sun and the card itself is a bright yellow of clarity and learning. This is the number of personal drive, of power, ambition and self. The mage has in his right hand a double wand through which energy is focused. One hand is postioned pointing up and the other hand pointng down, as above, so below.
On the altar are found the 4 elements of the suits of the tarot: pentacle/earth, cup/water, wand/fire and sword/air (ah-THAM-may is a pronunciation common in my neck of the woods), the tools through which he can use his skill to manifest desirel. He is garbed in the purity of white, with the snake which bites its ownself for a belt about his third chakra, a never ending circle which grounds him to the mundane world, and robe of powerful red, the desire for action, about him. He is surrounded with white and red flowers of of purity and passion which emparts a viscerally physical aspect to the card for me.
Above his head is the lemniscate, spiral symbol for the flow of eternal energy, the double helix of our own DNA.





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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

Very well said litha!

Do you see any other symbolism with the hand that is pointing down?

I like the point about the chakra. Perhaps another topic we could persue later.
Semele





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-- Posted by moondatter on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

Just joined this site and did post something about the previous card The Fool. Better late than never!:)
I see this card as the person is the 'vessel' or mediator, if you will. All symbols are represented in this card, cup, wand which points "as above, so below", pentacle, and sword. Roses and Lily are show in abundant, like the Goddess's love and fertility, and the figure 8, lain sideways represents infinity and also reinterates "as above, so below" when upright. It could also represent the connection of the mundane world with that of the spiritual world, w/ the magician being the mediator...The colors, red, yellow, blue are primary colors, basic colors from which all other colors are made. Just like the magician uses the symbols of the tarot suits to 'make' magick... The number 1...beginning, first in an order, single...
These classes are fun...I enjoy reading what everyone posts...





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-- Posted by Lynnaea on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

Tarot is one of my weak points, I'm glad you are posting lessons. My hubby, though, is an excellent reader. I just asked him what the magician usually means. He says it depends on the placement in the spead, but can be an individual that is learn-ed, intuitive, assertive.

The fool usually shows a "leap of faith", a step into the unknown, where you must trust your instincts.

How does this relate to what has been posted so far?







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-- Posted by Rosabelle on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969



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Quote: from Wildwood on 12:52 pm on Feb. 4, 2001
I thought the symbol above his head was the magician's
symbol for infinity, perhaps indicating the limitless subconcious mind. I thought the chalice, pentacle, sword and stave represented the 4 suits of a normal tarot deck and that this referred to the magician having these tools of the magical trade at his disposal. This idea of using tool, I
took to indicate a practical approach to magic and spirituality, that although he is connected to a higher plane, his magic has a very real practical element and purpose.

What does everyone else think ?

Wildwood

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oh well i'm completely wrong!! haha :) i don't know anything about the sign of infinity. i just thought it was a ring and i don't know about the different suits of Tarot either. well, i'm learning.
Rosabelle




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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

Ok. Here is what I see...

Of course, the first thing I see is the number 1, or I. This to me is more than a number, I see it as a phallic symbol. Of course, the Magician holds a wand (?) in his right hand pointed towards the Stars and the other hand is pointed at the ground. "As above, so below." And the wand sticking straight up is another phallic symbol (my opinion.) We have the four principle weapons of the Magician on the Altar. The Cup, Sword, Pentacle, Staff. Hmm. All four Suits are on his Altar. Interesting. I also notice that there are two kinds of flowers around him and they are the same color as his robes. And lets not leave out the Yellow background. So, that is what I see...now I must ponder it.

Blessed Be.





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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

Anyone else have a little more insight on the Magician card?

Blessings!





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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

I have heard the magician described in this way. A lighteneing rod. I have to agree this totally makes the point. A lightening rod recieves large volts of energy from the heavens and grounds them. This is what the magician does. He recieves and is highly aware of the energy from above. It passes through him and he grounds it...the hand pointing down. If he were not grounded he would burst into flames. As would anyone who was open to the energy and didn't have a place to release it. Most "mad" people, I feel, are just not grounded. In fact they may be more in tuned with their higher selves than we are, but they don't know how to disperse this energy. It will do us no good to be open to and seek the power if we don't have a way of releasing it. This card is about consciousness, that is being totally aware of what is happening. Knowing from where we get power and more importantly staying grounded enough to use that power.

Unlike the fool, the magician is focused and knows what he is doing. he has his mind clearly focused and makes use of all the weapons layed before him. He holds his wand in a deliberate manner, yet at the same time he is already directing the flow. That leaves him constantly open to recieve more enlightenment. I have said before, and I say again, the best way to recieve anything, be it money, kindness, or power, is to give it first. If we have no means of releasing it...it becomes trapped and we are then closed off to further recieving.

ACTIONS

taking action
doing what needs to be done
realizing your potential
making what's possible real
practicing what you preach
carrying out plans
producing magical results
using your talents

acting consciously
knowing what you are doing and why
acknowledging your motivations
understanding your intentions
examining the known situation

concentrating
having singleness of purpose
being totally committed
applying the force of your will
feeling centered
setting aside distractions
focusing on a goal

experiencing power
making a strong impact
having vitality
creating miracles
becoming energized
feeling vigorous
being creative


DESCRIPTION

The Magician is the archetype of the active, masculine principle - the ultimate achiever. He symbolizes the power to tap universal forces and use them for creative purposes. Note his stance in the picture. He acts as a lightening rod - one arm extended up into the Divine for inspiration, the other pointing toward Earth to ground this potent energy. [note] His abilities appear magical at times because his will helps him achieve what seem to be miracles.

What makes the Magician so powerful? First, he is not afraid to act. He believes in himself and is willing to put that belief on the line. He also knows what he intends to do and why. He doesn't hesitate because he understands his situation exactly. The Magician can focus with single-minded determination. As long as he remembers the divine source of his power, the Magician remains the perfect conduit for miracles.

In a reading, the Magician implies that the primal forces of creativity are yours if you can claim your power and act with awareness and concentration. This card is a signal to act and act now, provided you understand exactly what you want and are committed to getting it.

Key words and description taken from Joan Bunning...again. Many thanks to her great generosity in sharing her knowledge with us.

Lets here what you all think.
Semele





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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

I was very intrigued by the surrounding yellow background encompassing the Magician...and here is what Yellow says:

Creativity.
Power.
Intellect.
Male.
Signifies both Youth and Maturity.

Sun Energy!

So this goes right along with the card interpretations. Do with this info what you will!

Blessed Be!





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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

Am I to assume that everyone is ready to move on to Card Three?





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-- Posted by Wildwood on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

Hi

Any chance of putting up some cards from other decks
like you did with the fool. That was really
interesting.

Pretty Please
Thanks
Wildwood





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-- Posted by Rosabelle on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

i'm ready for the next card. don't get me wrong, this card was GREAT but i love learning.
Rosabelle





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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969



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Quote: from Wildwood on 9:09 am on Feb. 6, 2001
Hi

Any chance of putting up some cards from other decks
like you did with the fool. That was really
interesting.

Pretty Please
Thanks
Wildwood

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Absolutely...I will put up the cards later this afternoon for everyone...thanks for reminding me!

Blessings!




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-- Posted by Kiarda on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

Thanx you two..I love the magician..I think also we could look at his surroundings. He appears to be very skillful in what he is doing..somehow I get a feeling of him being diplomatic. He also appears very confident in his abilities. I am ready for the next





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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

Diplomatic!! I like that. He is in control. He knows exactly what he is doing and that is a strong image. The main key word I use to describe this guy is conscious. Always aware of what is out there and how to get it.
Semele





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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

Here are the other Magicians! A look at other decks...

Aquarian:



Old English:



Scapini:



Spiral:



And finally...the ever puzzling...Thoth:



Ok...lets hear everyones takes on these cards...notice the differences and the similarities! Sound off...

Blessings!





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-- Posted by Kiarda on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

Whoaaaa...Thoth is trippy!!! I really liked Spiral..but, cant make heads or tails of Thoth





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-- Posted by pattyann on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

Hi, I wrote down my impressions before I read other & more informed postings. The primary color of yellow tells me that the magican walks in the light, the Red of his robes & flowers tell me he has great power, mainly from the wand in his left hand that he uses to apply the powers of the sword, pentagram & chalice..cna't tell what the other item is. Are the elongated circles above his head intertwined circles? maybe showing power with no end? Got to check & see if I am even close in any of this. Are you going to keep all the lessons listed?





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-- Posted by Wildwood on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

If anyone is interested in my Arthurian deck the magician
is (You guessed it) Merlin.

There is no altar with tools on it though. He is outside walking toward the bottom of a cliff, barefoot across
a stream. He is walking away from you but looking over
his shoulder at you. He is wearing a blue/purple robe
and down the sleeves of his robe are the feathers of a bird.
Standing a little in front of him to your right is a
wolf which seems to have its eyes positively riveted on you.
In the bottom of the card there are blackberries and foxgloves.

According to Anna-Marie Ferguson these flowers represent the world of faery, also that magic like the foxglove is useful
but dangerous.

Anyone got any ideas about the blackberries I'd love to hear them.

I feel that this particular magician has the whole of the natural world as his altar and tools. The only tool in the
picture is the staff he uses for walking.

Enjoy.

Wildwood





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-- Posted by Polaris on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

MM
the sign above his head is infinity, a twisted circle, never ending nor beginning. he is near the altar and there he is holding up a wand and on the table are what are sometimes called the hallows of the goddess. i am not sure about the one, but i think that is just the card number, because the last one was 0. one hand is up and one is down and i like that is change because he is saying 'up is the wand and future!!' and he is also saying 'down is the ground and the past!!'i think he si doing a ritual becuse he looks like he is in cerimonial clothes.

up is the future
lo and behold
doen is the past
dark and cold.
look to the present
of laughter and light
feel all the hallows
see them with sight.
infity is foreafter
what is now and gone
the twisted circle
above with a one.

i decided to put it in poem form to see if i could interpret it better.
MP
Polaris





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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

I am having trouble posting my replies. i will have to check it out with the site god.
Semele





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-- Posted by moondatter on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

I really enjoy the Thoth...the Magician reminds me of the Hindu god Kali...the destroyer..in magic, things change shape/form/identity before it can become something else. Life, death, rebirth...yellow/air, symbols of alchemy? male lifeforce, the 4 suits are represented, the twining snakes of caduceus's wand. Snakes are a symbol of wisdom and of rebirth...shedding the skin=new life. Of course, Thoth is the Egyptian god of wisdom and learning and a good representative for the Magician. :)





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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969



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Quote: from moondatter on 5:50 pm on Feb. 8, 2001
life. Of course, Thoth is the Egyptian god of wisdom and learning and a good representative for the Magician. :)
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And, of course, there is the Myth that Thoth was the giver of the Tarot. Most say untrue, but some..well...

Welcome to the community.




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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

Thank you all for the great posts. Are you all ready for card 3?? Let us know and we will post it. And please continue to look back at the other cards to see any knew insights and continue to share.
Semele

Rosabelle
February 10th, 2001, 10:16 AM
when will the next card be posted up?? i'm ready for the next one. sorry to be pushy but i really want to learn. ;)
Rosabelle

Semele
February 10th, 2001, 01:54 PM
We are headed to a metaphysical fair right now but I will have Mol post it this evening when we get home. Settle down!!! Just kidding I am anxious to learn as well. Have a great week-end. See you soon.
Semele

Dagda Moon~Lily
February 21st, 2001, 10:03 AM
an interpretation by Dagda
Robin Wood Tarot Deck

The Magician is holding the infinity symbol in his hand, indicating that he can manipulate his environment(?), he has the control. All of the 'tarot tools' are laid out on the counter. Pentacles [earth], cups [water], wands and swords [air and fire]. So we have the elements at his command. He is wearing a deerhead-dress, indicating his ability to conque and control? To overcome and endure?? He has a black candle on one side and a white one one the other side of this antlers. Could this indicate conscious vs. unconscious??....The good and bad forces of the world??


Okay that is my take on the Magician.

How did I do??

Dag
;)

Semele
February 21st, 2001, 12:55 PM
Mol prefers the magician image on the robin wood deck over the rider deck. He connects to the stag image. I like to think of the black and white candles as the perfect balance between everuthing. As you read through the board you may find several mentions of both dark and light being evident in the craft and peoples views on this topic.

I noticed when you were listing the tools and thier associated elements you lumped wands and swords together as air and fire. many people are at a disaggreement over which represents which element. Well, not disagreement really just different oppinions. Which one do you feel represents fire and which air. Keep in mind there is no wrong answer. Tarot is very personalised and what you get out of reading may be totally differentthan what someone else gets. That is the beauty of it I think. I am curious what others think on this topic as well.

Semele

Dagda Moon~Lily
February 21st, 2001, 01:05 PM
I haven't decided yet which way I'll go with it. I am aware that there is conflict out there pertaining to this particular subject. :) The deck I use shows that Wands is associated with fire. I can see it both ways. I think for now, I will just go by my instincts per situation. :)


Shoulda been a politician, :D

Dag
;)

Semele
February 21st, 2001, 01:35 PM
LOL!!! I can see it both ways as well. But to me I think of a wand as fire and sword air. The reason I feel this way goes back to my childhood visions of a magician using a wand to do magic. I always pictured fire coming out of it. Also I used to like to sword fight with my brother and all I ever got was air!! Funny how childhood memories stick with us.

Semele

Dagda Moon~Lily
February 21st, 2001, 07:57 PM
Riding the fence is giving me a Wedgie :D .....so........

I feel that Air and east are yellow, deals with creativity and ideas, therefore is associated with the suit of wands. You need to be creative to use the wand {all those incantations!:)}

Fire I see, makes the blade. It's [fire] hot, intense, passionate.....just like swords' intensity. To wield the sword you need inner fire (passion) and strength.

Okay....so I guess I do tend to lean this way with it! :D


Look out below.....I'm falling off the fence!! :)

Semele
February 22nd, 2001, 06:54 AM
Welcome to the other side, as you can see the grass is much greener over here...until you look back at the other side!!!
Semele

Dagda Moon~Lily
February 26th, 2001, 10:20 PM
:)

Semele
February 27th, 2001, 11:26 AM
Wow, This one is kind of scary!! I like it though.

Semele

Illyandra
March 14th, 2001, 06:51 PM
About the black and white candles~~ I was told or read somewhere (sorry I don't remember the source!! :( ) that not only is the color symbolic of balance but also of balanced powers and that the pillar like symbolism of the candles also stands for the power balance.

I get a feeling of authority from him but in a benevolent way. Kind of fatherly almost, and yet he would be the LAST person I'd want to be on the bad side of...LOL!

Also the fact that all of the elements are represented (yes Akasha is represented by the little infinity symbol I believe) also symbolizes the property of balance in power, the world, the universe, ect., ect.

I also agree that wands are more air than fire (being an artsy-creative kind of gal) and to me the wand seems to be symbolic of the pen, or the paintbrush, or the sculpting knife besides the tool used to direct energy in ritual and spell casting.

For me I believe the sword is more fire...forged in fire, wielded by the fiery hearted warrior, used in anger and in battle.... conflict I connect with Mars and of course being the red planet and the God of War ...FIRE!LOL!

A little more than I wrote for the Fool post but I think I did okay with what I said...<giggles>

Dagda Moon~Lily
March 14th, 2001, 09:32 PM
You are doing great....and I'm trying to catch up to you!

Great note about Akasha!

Xois
March 31st, 2001, 12:19 AM
the tools of the here and now...

Understand them and use them

http://webhost.bridgew.edu/jllavoie/tarot/major1.jpg

Dagda Moon~Lily
July 24th, 2001, 07:55 AM
*bump*